The recent success of "Saiyaara" has brought its debutant actors, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, into the limelight. However, the focus has also shifted to casting director Shanoo Sharma, known for her role in launching them. Following an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Sharma has found herself embroiled in a casting controversy, with some actors sharing "unpleasant experiences" with her. Amidst this, Ahaan Panday's mother, Deanne Panday, has voiced her support for Sharma.
Shanoo Sharma's contribution to launching fresh talent in Bollywood is well-recognized. She has been associated with Yash Raj Films (YRF) for a long time and is known for her keen eye for spotting potential. Sharma played a crucial role in Ahaan Panday's debut in "Saiyaara," a Mohit Suri directorial.
Recently, Sharma shared interesting anecdotes about Ahaan's initial reluctance to even meet her. She recalled that Ahaan refused to meet her because he "was tanned, looking dark, and thought we'd reject him". However, Sharma saw potential in him and knew they would work together. She also mentioned that Aditya Chopra had planned to launch Ahaan before the pandemic but had doubts about launching a debutant after it. According to Sharma, Chopra told Ahaan and his parents that he had full faith in him but wasn't sure when he would be able to launch him due to the uncertainty in the film industry. Chopra gave Ahaan the option to work with someone else if he was losing patience. Ahaan decided to wait and eventually got "Saiyaara".
However, following the interview, two actors, Isha Talwar and Bijou Thaangjam, have publicly shared their uncomfortable experiences with Sharma. Talwar recounted an audition where she was asked to perform a crying scene in a busy restaurant. She said, "I was told I should have no inhibitions as an actor and hence I should be able to do a crying scene with Shanoo sitting in front of me and some of her assistants … it was such a confusing/weird ask .. it shattered my confidence as a young girl in films … I couldn't understand why a senior casting director needed to put a young girl through this". Bijou Thaangjam, known for his role in "Mary Kom," also shared his "bad experience".
Amidst this controversy, Ahaan Panday's mother, Deanne Panday, has shown her support for Shanoo Sharma. Deanne has been closely associated with the film business for many years. While Deanne Panday has not released an official statement, the title suggests that she has "so much to say" about the situation, hinting at a deeper understanding of Sharma's work and character. Deanne has previously expressed her joy and support for her son's success in "Saiyaara". She shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, praising his humility, respect for elders, and loving nature.
The "Saiyaara" casting controversy raises important questions about the methods used in the casting process and the impact they can have on aspiring actors. While Shanoo Sharma is credited with discovering and launching new talent, the allegations against her highlight the need for sensitivity and ethical conduct in the industry.
